Returning the verdict of suicide, Cambridgeshire County Council coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Hemp said Lucas was suffering from an untreated depressive illness partly brought about by his parents breakup and there was a clear "difference between his thoughts and the persona he presented."

Evidence found on his laptop revealed he had been discussing taking his life online and there were 'selfie style' videos found on his computer in which he voiced he was struggling to cope.

More details about the state of his mental health were found in another document found on his computer which the coroner indicated was too distressing to reveal, adding that there was a balance to be struck between privacy and the need to determine the cause of death.

She added that there should be more mental health services on offer to young people to pull them back from the brink.

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She said: "This is a tragic case. We can ascertain that this lad had been through quite a bit by the time he was 17.

"Having read the evidence and heard from British Transport Police it seems clear for whatever reason he decided to walk the relatively short distance to place himself in front of a train.

"Lucas had a troubled upbringing, but it is clear the love his parents both had for their son.

"If there were more mental health services available to teenagers and youngsters it would help them when they get to the point of no return to turn back."

The inquest, held at Lawrence Court, Huntingdon, attended by the family liaison officer and British Transport Police (BTP), also heard statements from the train driver, Lucas's mother Lorraine and late father Jim.

The driver of train IN63, reported: "It happened very fast. He approached the crossing and he stepped out and faced the train.

"He had his arms by his side I would say it was deliberate because of the slowness of his actions."

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She also revealed his sheltered upbringing and how she had home schooled her son, but couldn't afford to pay for him to get any formal qualifications.

She recalled how he was "so bloody clever' and a vicarious reader who, loved military history.

She said: "Lucas was over the moon to work with his dad.

"A few weeks after Lucas died Jim was diagnosed with cancer. It is possible Lucas knew his dad was really ill, rather than 'just a cough'.

"He was fantastic, adorable, loved by everyone and very kind.

"Lucas loved his family and he used to pat me on the head and say 'you're getting tiny mum'.

"He was my best friend and I was his."

The coroner, revealed she was a mother of a teenage son and would be writing to Mrs Hyne to express her sincere condolences.

Following Lucas' death safety suggestions have been passed on to Network Rail.

If you have been affected by this issues or are experiencing mental health difficulties you can The Samaritans free any time, from any phone on 116 123.

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